How to maintain a heat pump system – wall-mounted & central

A well-maintained heat pump means clean air, energy efficiency and savings, a better appliance service life, and optimal performance.

But what should you check and inspect? How can you maintain a heat pump? Can you do part of the maintenance yourself? What does a professional inspect during maintenance?

What you can do

Always consult your operation manual to know how to handle your heat pump, see what preventative maintenance you can do yourself and how to do it. The required maintenance may vary according to your heating or cooling system. The first step is usually to power off the system. A few times a year, rinse off the air filters and reinstall them once they have dried. A clogged or dirty heat pump filter limits the airflow and decreases your system’s performance. Make sure your heat pump’s outdoor unit is not obstructed. Remove anything that might have gotten stuck.

Professional maintenance

Some heat pumps require maintenance once a year, while others might need it once every three years. These maintenance sessions allow you to make sure that your appliance is running smoothly, ensuring its best performance.

Wall-mounted system

The technical expert doing maintenance on your wall-mounted heat pump checks the compressor, the refrigeration circuit, the controls, the air filters, and the drainage system. For the compressor, the technician checks and adjusts the coolant level, the outside sound level, the refrigeration pipes’ insulation, the electrical and mechanical connections, and anchoring and support. He then checks the controls, such as the remote and the electrical connections, and he makes sure the selectors are running smoothly, adjusting them if necessary. Lastly, he cleans the air filters and checks the drainage pipes.

Central system

During your central heat pump’s maintenance, the technical expert checks the compressor, the condenser, the interior fan, and the coil. The technician checks the compressor’s electrical connections, sound level, and vibrations. He ensures the safety valve is airtight, the crankcase and four-way valve are running smoothly, and he adjusts the coolant level when needed. On the air-cooled condenser, he lubricates the motors, makes sure the propeller, anchoring and support are undamaged, and cleans the coil if necessary. Lastly, for the interior fan, he lubricates the motor, makes sure the hinges are in good shape, and ensures that the fan is well-balanced. He also inspects the fresh air dampers and makes sure they are airtight.

Cleaning the air ducts

Once every five years, the air ducts should be cleaned to remove any dust, bacteria and mould that could grow. However, if you suffer from allergies or respiratory disease, have long-haired animals, have recently renovated, or live with someone who smokes, it is recommended to get them cleaned more often to increase air quality.

Comfort and performance

Regular maintenance on your heat pump ensures your best comfort and health and makes sure your system provides optimal performance for many years.